In this setting, friendly NPCs and contacts are going to matter a great deal. For instance, leaving the draft with a trainer who doesn't charge and can level you to high levels might be quite valuable. Similarly, folks who might repair you magic items or provide you with potions could be significant. KNowledge, too, could help such as healing lore that lets your heal skill be more effective, or the knowledge of how to locate healing springs…

Good points and maybe the first time where all that stuff from the draft will actually have some real significance … I know my reffing in the past has not worked those things in as much as I should have.

I haven't either when I've reffed but I think between trainers mattering, low magic and a slower rate, we should have time to work in the background stuff. Plus, at least at start we may not have a pressing quest driving us like many games.